Embark on a self-driving tour of Canyonlands National Park and experience the majestic mesas, deep valleys, and sweeping canyons. Discover iconic landmarks, learn about the history, and enjoy maximum flexibility and value.
Embark on a self-driving tour of Canyonlands National Park and experience the majestic mesas, deep valleys, and sweeping canyons. Discover iconic landmarks, learn about the history, and enjoy maximum flexibility and value.
- Canyonlands National Park - Located in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands National Park is renowned for its striking desert scenery sculpted by the Colorado River. The Island in the Sky is a vast, flat-topped mesa offering breathtaking panoramic views. Other significant areas include the towering rock formations known as the Needles, the secluded…
- Canyonlands National Park - Located in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands National Park is renowned for its striking desert scenery sculpted by the Colorado River. The Island in the Sky is a vast, flat-topped mesa offering breathtaking panoramic views. Other significant areas include the towering rock formations known as the Needles, the secluded canyons of the Maze, and the Native American rock art in Horseshoe Canyon. Cataract Canyon features thrilling whitewater rapids.
Note: This tour spans over 62 miles and highlights the key attractions of Canyonlands National Park in 2-3 hours.
Purchase once and enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.
- Cataract Canyon - Spanning 46 miles, Cataract Canyon is part of the Colorado River within Canyonlands National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah.
- Green River Overlook - The Green River Overlook provides some of the most distinctive views of Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District. It showcases the Green River as it continues to shape the canyon walls. At 730 miles, the river is Utah’s largest stream. Its name likely originates from the green soapstone found along its banks.
- Island in the Sky - Visit the upcoming Visitor Center. It’s an excellent spot to gather supplies, use the restroom, and refill water bottles. As observed, the park lacks extensive infrastructure, and staying hydrated is crucial.
- Dead Horse Point State Park - Dead Horse Point has an intriguing name, doesn’t it? According to local lore, wild mustangs were once corralled here to be tamed in the early 1800s. After the desirable horses were claimed by cowboys, the rest were set free.
- Corona Arch - Corona Arch is a natural sandstone arch near Moab, situated within the same rock formation as Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch.
- Shafer Canyon Overlook - This overlook offers views from three sides. It might be intimidating for those with a fear of heights, as there’s nothing between you and the Canyon. However, the stunning view is worth it.
- Plateau Viewpoint - On your left is a turnoff for Plateau Viewpoint. Stop if you want to capture some amazing views! There’s also a handicap-accessible toilet and an information panel on anthropological work in the area.
- White Rim - In such a beautiful landscape, the temptation to explore off the beaten path is strong. But be cautious! Venturing off the path might damage living soil. It may sound surprising, but throughout Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab, there exists a biological soil crust.
- Monitor and Merrimac Rock Formations - Look to the right. Currently, only tall rock walls are visible. That’s because we’re near the floor of Sevenmile Canyon. As we continue driving, we’ll emerge from the canyon and see two distinct features in the distance to the right – the Merrimac and the Monitor.
- The Neck - The area we’re traversing is known as the Neck. Why? Well, remember that this Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands is a vast mesa surrounded by lowlands. There’s a strip of land connecting this mesa to other mesas — much like a natural bridge!
- Lathrop Canyon - Many natural landmarks and trails in Canyonlands are named by or after cowboys and ranchers. In fact, Ned Chaffin’s father and one of his brothers had a spring named after them.
- Big Mesa Viewpoint - On your right is Big Mesa Viewpoint. Pause for a quick look at some stunning scenery. The enormous mesa appears as if it was placed here by accident and then forgotten.
- Aztec Butte Trail - What makes this trail special? Simply put: the granaries left here by Native peoples. They’re visible from the base of the last hill if you keep your eyes open. These granaries are centuries old, so approach with care.
- Whale Rock - Ahead is perhaps the world’s largest whale. Don’t see it? The whale’s head is on the left side of the rock.
There’s an easy one-mile hike that takes you up along the whale’s back. Once on top of this cetacean, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Upheaval Dome.
- Mesa Arch - Ahead, pull over for Mesa Arch. This is a must-see at Canyonlands.
Once parked, walk along the short trail to the arch.
As you walk, notice the juniper and pinyon trees around you. These are common in Canyonlands, so keep an eye out for them elsewhere too.
- Candlestick Tower Overlook - In the distance, do you see three giant candles protruding from the landscape? That’s Candlestick Tower! Doesn’t this sandstone formation resemble a layered birthday cake, topped with candles? * The bottom layer is white, the middle a reddish-brown, and the top is red.
- Basin Overlook Parking - Despite its small size, there’s plenty to do here. First, the overlook itself offers a view of the Colorado River. There’s also a cafe to recharge.
- Buck Canyon Overlook - Here, you’ll witness breathtaking views of Buck Canyon and the La Sal mountains. The short trail is paved, making it one of the most accessible spots in the park. There’s also a rail between you and the canyon, so if you fear heights, this overlook is ideal for you.
- White Rim Overlook Trail - This is a great spot to rest and enjoy a quick meal! There are only eight tables, so be sure to secure one if available.
- Orange Cliffs Overlook - Cowboys extensively used the Orange Cliffs. They referred to a part of these cliffs as “Under the Ledge” — as it appeared to be beneath a massive, rocky ledge.
- Grand View Point Overlook - We’ve reached the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you liked the tour, explore our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!
- Upheaval Dome - Recall how the park’s rocks have formed in layers? In most of the park, these layers remain undisturbed since their formation. What you see is what was deposited, all those hundreds of millions of years ago.
- Murphy Point Trail - The trail leading to Murphy Point Overlook is quite easy, totaling 3.5 miles roundtrip. While the hike itself doesn’t offer much in terms of scenery, the overlook provides a stunning view of Stillwater Canyon and the Green River.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
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Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
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- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Recommended: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen together!
Embark on a journey through the expansive canyons, deep valleys, and towering mesas of Canyonlands National Park with this self-guided driving tour. Experience the breathtaking Mesa Arch at sunrise, enjoy the spectacular views from the White Rim Trail, and learn…
Recommended: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen together!
Embark on a journey through the expansive canyons, deep valleys, and towering mesas of Canyonlands National Park with this self-guided driving tour. Experience the breathtaking Mesa Arch at sunrise, enjoy the spectacular views from the White Rim Trail, and learn about the cowboys who once attempted to conquer this magnificent land. This self-guided tour offers the ultimate flexibility and value for exploring Canyonlands.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. Then, simply follow the audio instructions and the designated route.
Purchase once and enjoy for a full year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.
Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.